A shopkeeper caught selling cigarettes to a 13-year-old girl has seen her fine lowered after she apologised in court.

Manuela Zamir, of Northumberland Road in Thornaby, was caught by Stockton Trading Standards and Licensing officers in February last year. The test purchase involved a teenage volunteer buying cigarettes from the Kashmir Store.

The case was heard at Teesside Magistrates Court in Mrs Zamir's absence and she was fined £1,000 and £693 costs, but she appealed and on Friday saw the fine cut to £300 and the costs to £200.

She told the court: "I always try my best in my shop. On this particular day I haven't. I would do anything to bring the time back but I am sorry for that. She looked to me to be older than she was."

Recorder David Myerson said: "There is no evidence your place is targeted by every 14-year-old in the area who goes to buy cigarettes. We think the fine is too high."